Friday, June 21, 2013

This week we began to notice the appearance of strange holes in the back garden - dozens of them like these, about 4 inches deep..

Exposed roots and lots of evidence of burrowing under a tree ..

We ruminated on this for a day or so, considered the possibility of a particularly clever scrub turkey, bandicoots, hares or rabbits (unlikely as they are not found here), possums (no, they eat fruit), crows (even they are not that crazy), or maybe aliens.

Then on day 3, I stood looking at the mess, when suddenly with a great flapping of wings a white ibis rose from the garden and flew off down towards our creek. Where, incidentally, there are quite a few of his mates gathered feasting on whatever ibis eat.

The ibis is a wetlands bird, which has migrated to the cities of eastern Australia since the 1970s, as habitat decreases. They have become quite a pest, like to hang around rubbish dumps and anywhere else food can be easily found. Outdoor cafes are a particular favourite.

Maybe I frightened it, because, fingers crossed, the constant digging of long pointy beaks seems to have ceased. For now...

Speaking of birds, I know the fad for bird prints has largely come and gone,

but this was languishing in my fabric stash.

And it was time to stitch it up or forget the whole idea.

Today I decided on Butterick 5804 and cut out the very girly blouse with bow tie at the neck. It just seemed right on a bleak day with chill winds and rain - it will work so well under jackets.

New bed linen - London themed!

Even Mr Cardinal commented on its cheerfulness ...

I remember pointsettias from my childhood.

They always decorated our church on Pentecost Sunday..

These days they are more associated with Christmas, and this one was bought as festive decor last Christmas, then consigned to the garden.

Monday, June 17, 2013

As the biting winds and chill cold of winter bite into Brisbane's West,

I seek that most humble of vegetables, the Pumpkin!

Pumpkin soup, warm and golden ...

Pumpkin mashed, baked, turned into scones or breads ..

The weekend skies were that brilliant blue rarely seen in our hazy summer ..

the blue which comes as the sun warms up a morning of low, single digit temperatures ..

The Cardinals flew off for a hot chocolate fix at this popular spot upstream on the Brisbane River, known as College's Crossing.

Those people down there are fishing -

Poor College's has been inundated by very bad flooding twice in the past two years, and the evidence is still there - fenced off for safety...

The kiosk, happily renovated in its high vantage point, was basking in the winter sunshine and doing a roaring trade -

The Brisbane River, rendered in stone as part of a large paved area..

We popped into a local plant nursery on the way home

and spent the rest of the day 'improving' the Garden of Neglect ..

You know how much I like a bird: behold the new white lorikeet which has mysteriously appeared among my milk glass collection - who, me?

Found this blue pansy ring holder in Canada - note the pansies I planted two weeks ago are flowering prolifically already -pansies are tough little friends..What can I say?I love the cooler weather Have a lovely cosy weekXXXX

Monday, June 10, 2013

Yes, I have finally come out of the Dark Ages, and have my first iPhone!

I never thought I'd fall in love, with an electronic gadget - of any kind...

But of course, I became addicted in one day, and am on a very steep learning curve.

Steeeeeeeppppp!

Downloaded my first App today: Tiffany & Co.

While investigating the beguiling possibilities of having the Internet in my hand or handbag at all times, I have spent the past four days listening in to ABC Classic FM radio's CLASSIC 100 MUSIC IN THE MOVIES countdown, the results of a recent poll.

As a confirmed Romantic, I rather fancied Lara's Theme from Doctor Zhivago to win - I have had this sheet music since I was a girl...

But no, it came in at No.5.

ET came in second last, at 99 - surprised, I rather liked that score.

Here are the final ten:

10 - Schindler's List (1993)

9 - The Piano (1993)

8 - Out of Africa (1985)

7 - The King's Speech (2010) (Beethoven Piano Concerto No 5)

6 - Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

5 - Doctor Zhivago (1965)

4 - Chariots of Fire (1981)

3 - The Lord of the Rings (2001)

2 - Star Wars Films

1 - The Mission (1986)

Some surprises right throughout, but we enjoyed the fun of it, and the guessing games. While I like the music from The Mission, I was surprised it won. A certain little grandson in Canada would love to know Star Wars themes did so well - he sings Darth Vader's theme all day long!

Speaking of small boys, did you see the Google header today - just for Maurice Sendak's 85th birthday. All the Wild Things had a party!

I loved it...

I've been out having cake and laughter, and doing a few stitches of embroidery, at my friend J's. That rhubarb cake was Superb...

Friday, June 7, 2013

These lovely pots were made by the Hermannsburg women potters, from Central Australia.

They are part of an exhibition of contemporary indigenous art:

My Country: I still call Australia Home, which opened the other day.

This pot features lorikeet images.

Our lorikeets have not forgiven us for going away for a month,

rarely come to the bird-feeder, and are startled and fly off when I appear.

Ingrates!

Did you know kookaburras catch and eat snakes?

Just saying....

So how did the Garden of Neglect fare during our absence, you may ask?

Well, this old toughie, the crucifix orchid, carried on as usual.

but my little cottage garden had disintegrated into a tangled mess..

herbs were nearly all dead...

and 'somebody' had made quite a mess, overturning pots and destroying seedlings ...

You know who you are, Mr legally protected native species Wild Bush Turkey!!!

A quick visit to the local plant nursery,

a day working in the garden,

and things are starting to improve.

Happy 60 year Coronation Anniversary to Her Majesty

I thought the Queen looked lovely in her white brocade, with just a hint of delicate blue flowers and that huge Aquamarine!So sad that Prince Philip is in hospital at this special time..

Kate looked great, too:

and I liked Camilla's minty green outfit..

also with a lovely big aquamarine, apparently the gem of the day..Enjoy your Queen's birthday holiday weekend, Australia!What are your plans? We'll be back in the garden, and taking my Dad out for lunch in the country - somewhere....

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About Me

This blog is a celebration of all things which bring me fun and joy. I am a retired mother and grandmother living in a leafy suburb of Brisbane, Australia, surrounded by abundant birdlife. I love art and art history, architecture, antiques and design, and am a volunteer gallery guide. Other interests include choral singing, sewing, fashion, gardening, and travel. And I absolutely love Christmas.
Email me at trishkellar@reinforcements.com.au